Associations Between Mediterranean Diet, Processed Food Consumption, and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: Cross-Sectional Study Among Israeli Adults

These findings highlight the potential of dietary modifications as a complementary approach to mental health management, though generalizability is limited by our predominantly female, Jewish Israeli sample studied during a period of conflict. Integrating nutritional assessments into mental health care could enhance treatment strategies. Future research should explore longitudinal and interventional approaches to establish causal relationships between diet quality and mental health outcomes. This study highlights the clinical and public health relevance of dietary assessment in mental health evaluations and supports the development of integrated, nutrition-informed interventions to enhance psychological well-being.